Methods of stabilizing azithromycin

ABSTRACT

A method of packaging of azithromycin which provides improved stability of azithromycin upon storage. Additionally, compositions and methods of stabilizing azithromycin compositions are described. Stabilized azithromycin compositions comprise an intimate admixture of azithromycin and a stabilizing-effective amount of an antioxidant to improve the resistance of the azithromycin to degradation. Coprecipitation or co-milling of azithromycin and an antioxidant are particularly preferred means of achieving an intimate admixture. Pharmaceutical formulations comprising a stabilized azithromycin composition and methods of making such formulations are also described.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/782,047, filed Feb. 19, 2004, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/448,946, filed Feb. 19, 2003, herein incorporated by reference. This application is also a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/936,075, filed Sep. 7, 2004, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/822,773, filed Apr. 13, 2004, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/247,097, filed Oct. 18, 2002, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. Nos. 60/336,346, filed Oct. 18, 2001; 60/331,931, filed Nov. 21, 2001; and 60/341,295, filed Dec. 17, 2001, herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention encompasses methods of packaging azithromycin to prevent the degradation of azithromycin upon storage. The invention also relates to stabilized azithromycin compositions, methods of preparing stabilized azithromycin compositions, pharmaceutical formulations containing the stabilized azithromycin compositions and methods of making such formulations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Azithromycin has the chemical name [2R-(2R*,3S*,4R*,5R*,8R*,10R*,11R*,12S*,13S*,14R*)]-13-[(2,6-dideoxy-3-C-methyl-3-O-methyl-α-L-ribo-hexopyranosyl)oxy]-2-ethyl-3,4,10-trihydroxy-3,5,6,8,10,12,14-heptamethyl-11-[[3,4,6-trideoxy-3-(dimethylamino)-β-D-xylo-hexopyranosyl]oxy]-1-oxa-6-azacyclopentadecan-15-one and the following chemical structure:

Azithromycin is one of the macrolide antibiotics, so named because they contain a many-membered lactone ring to which are attached one or more deoxy sugars. Other macrolide antibiotics include erythromycin and clarithromycin. Azithromycin and the other macrolide antibiotics are bacteriostatic agents which act by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible microorganisms, and thus interfering with microbial protein synthesis.

Macrolide antibiotics of the erythromycin class, such as erythromycin A, are known to be unstable in an acidic environment and are inactivated by gastric acids. See, Goodman and Gilman's, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics 1137 (Joel G. Hardman et al., eds.) 9th ed. 1996; C. Vinckier et al., Int. J. Pharmaceutics, 55, 67-76 (1989); T. Cachet et al., Int. J. Pharmaceutics, 55, 59-65 (1989); E. F. Fiese and S. H. Steffen, J. Antimicrobial Chemother., 25 (suppl.A) 39-47 (1990).

Azithromycin is a semi-synthetic antibiotic which differs chemically from erythromycin in that a methyl-substituted nitrogen atom is incorporated into the lactone ring. The replacement of the keto group in the lactone ring with the N-methyl group in the lactone ring improves the stability of azithromycin over erythromycin in an acidic environment.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,517,359 and 4,474,768 disclose processes for the preparation of azithromycin and the use of azithromycin as an antibiotic. These patents are incorporated herein by reference.

Azithromycin is subject to degradation that may occur during manufacture and/or storage. For example, azithromycin is susceptible to degradation if exposed to elevated temperatures and/or air during manufacturing processes, processes that include formulation of the pharmaceutical dosage form. One particular example of oxidative degradation is the oxidation of the exocyclic amine group of azithromycin. The susceptibility of azithromycin to degradation may lead to deviation of the drug product from regulatory purity requirements even prior to the product reaching the patient. In addition, once formulated, azithromycin tends to degrade under normal storage conditions, which may result in the presence of unacceptable levels of impurities at the time of administration.

Therefore, a continuing need exists to provide consistent dosages of azithromycin by providing methods that delay or prevent the production of degradation products by improving storage methods for azithromycin. Likewise, a continuing need exists to provide azithromycin compositions having a reduced tendency to degrade.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, the invention encompasses methods for packaging azithromycin which show improved stability of azithromycin upon storage.

For example, one embodiment encompasses methods for packaging azithromycin comprising storing azithromycin in a gas impermeable package made of at least one sheet of gas impermeable material, wherein after storage azithromycin degradation products do not exceed 5%, preferably less than about 3% by weight of azithromycin. The gas impermeable material is impermeable to oxidizing agents, preferably to oxygen. The gas impermeable package may be selected from any material known in the art. The sheet may be a laminated sheet preferably an aluminum laminate package. The package may be comprised of a bag or a pouch.

Another embodiment of the invention encompasses methods for storing azithromycin comprising storing azithromycin in a gas impermeable package comprising at least one layer, wherein the intimate layer is prepared from a gas impermeable material and is capable of being sealed. The gas impermeable material may be selected from any material known in the art. The gas impermeable material is preferably an aluminum laminate. After the storage azithromycin degradation products do not exceed 5%, preferably less than about 3% by weight of the azithromycin. In another embodiment, the azithromycin storage conditions include at least one of a temperature of about 25° C. to about 55° C.; 60% relative humidity; or a time of at least one month.

Another embodiment of the invention encompasses methods for packaging azithromycin comprising storing a unit dosage of azithromycin in a gas impermeable package. The gas impermeable package may be selected from any material known in the art. The gas impermeable package is preferably an aluminum laminate package.

Another embodiment of the invention encompasses methods for packaging azithromycin wherein less than about 5% of azithromycin monohydrate is transformed to the dihydrate form on storage for one year.

The degradation products may be identified by HPLC relative retention times of about 0.26, 0.34, 0.37, and 0.80.

In another embodiment, the invention is directed to stabilized azithromycin compositions. A stabilized azithromycin composition preferably includes an intimate admixture of azithromycin and a stabilizing-effective amount of an antioxidant. Coprecipitation and co-milling of azithromycin and an antioxidant are particularly preferred methods of achieving an intimate admixture.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to, a method for preparing a stabilized azithromycin composition. The method comprises dissolving azithromycin and a stabilizing-effective amount of an antioxidant in a solvent and co-precipitating the azithromycin and antioxidant, and, recovering a stabilized azithromycin composition.

Stabilized azithromycin compositions can also be prepared by dissolving azithromycin and a stabilizing-effective amount of an antioxidant in a first solvent to form a mixture; drying the mixture; redissolving the mixture in a second solvent; co-precipitating azithromycin and the antioxidant and recovering a stabilized azithromycin composition.

Yet another method for making a stabilized azithromycin composition in accordance with the present invention includes co-milling azithromycin and a stabilizing-effective amount of an antioxidant. In this embodiment, co-milling may be achieved by, for example, grinding the azithromycin and antioxidant together by conventional means such as using a mortar and pestle or co-micronization processes as are generally known in the art.

Once a stabilized azithromycin composition is prepared in accordance with the present invention, it is preferably formulated into pharmaceutical formulations such as conventional dosage forms, including tablets, capsules (e.g., hard and soft gelatin capsules), suspensions, sachets, dragees, suppositories, etc. Tablets are preferred dosage forms. Tablets may be made with the stabilized azithromycin compositions and optional excipients by processes including, e.g., wet granulation, dry granulation such as slugging or compaction, or direct compression, followed by shaping into tablets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates the X-ray powder diffraction pattern for azithromycin Form A.

FIG. 2 illustrates the X-ray powder diffraction pattern for the dihydrate.

FIG. 3 is an HPLC chromatogram depicting elution profiles of azithromycin standards.

FIG. 4 is an HPLC chormoatogram depicting typical elution profiles of azithromycin impurities.

FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

Unless otherwise indicated, the term “azithromycin” includes salts, solvates, hydrates thereof, and physiologically functional derivatives thereof, e.g. propanol solvate, ethanol solvate, monohydrate and other crystalline and polymorph forms.

The term “Form A” refers to a crystalline form of azithromycin having an X-ray powder diffraction with peaks at 6.3, 8.0, 10.0, 11.4, 11.6, 12.0, 12.6, 14.0, 14.5, 14.7, 15.0, 15.4, 15.9, 17.3, 18.7, 19.1, 20.0, 20.3, and 21.2 degrees two-theta. The peaks of Form A are listed in FIG. 1.

The term “dihydrate azithromycin” refers to a crystalline form of azithromycin having an X-ray powder diffraction with peaks at 9.3, 12.1, 13.0, 16.4, and 18.7 degrees two-theta. The peaks of the dihydrate are listed in FIG. 2.

As used herein, the term “AZT” refers to azithromycin. As used herein, the term “DMAZT” refers to azithromycin A (USP), desmethyl azithromycin. DMZAT is an intermediate used in the synthesis of azithromycin. The term “TAZT” refers to tosyl azithromycin. The term “BH” refers to butylated hydroxyanisole. The term “BHT” refers to butylated hydroxytoluene. The term “PG” refers to propyl gallate. The term “PVP” refers to polyvinylpyrrolidone. The term “SLS” refers to sodium lauryl sulfate. The term “LOD” refers to loss on dry. The terms “API” and “Apr” refers to active pharmaceutical ingredient. The term “intimate layer” refers to the layer of gas impermeable packaging which contacts the stored material.

As used herein, the term “gas impermeable” refers to a property of a material wherein the passage of gases through the material is delayed or prohibited. As used with packaging, “gas impermeable” refers to the packaging of products having improved barrier characteristics better than those of low density polyethylene (LDPE) having been manufactured by coextrusion, lamination, metallization, or coating.

As used herein, the term “unit dosage form” refers to the amount of azithromycin, or a derivative thereof, which is effective to produce a therapeutic effect in a subject.

As used herein, the term “lamination” refers to a situation when two or more individuals films are bonded together with special adhesives and run through rolling, heated cylinders to produce a composite film structure.

The term “stabilizing-effective amount,” used in reference to the amount of antioxidant in the stabilized azithromycin composition, means (1) an amount such that no more than about 3.8%, preferably no more than about 1.2%, and, most preferably, no more than about 0.86% by weight of azithromycin in the stabilized azithromycin composition is degraded upon exposure to 55° C. for seven days or, (2) an amount such that no more than about 1.25%, preferably no more than about 0.8%, and, most preferably, no more than about 0.35% by weight of azithromycin in the stabilized azithromycin composition is degraded upon exposure to 50° C. for 20 hours.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Azithromycin is unstable and prone to produce degradation products upon manufacture and/or storage and/or when exposed to temperatures above about 25° C. Not to be bound by theory, it is believed that one degradation pathway is the oxidation of azithromycin in the presence of oxidizing agents, such as oxygen. The degradation products may be identified by HPLC relative retention times of about 0.26, 0.34, 0.37, and 0.80.

Thus, in one aspect, the invention encompasses methods of storing azithromycin and containers for storing azithromycin comprising at least one gas impermeable material wherein the containers diminish or protect azithromycin from either: a) degradation, in particular degradation by oxidation, or b) changing of azithromycin solvate composition (water or solvent or a combination thereof as compared to the composition before AZT is packaged).

The advantage of using at least one gas impermeable container to protect azithromycin from oxidation is the increase in azithromycin shelf life.

Also, the invention encompasses containers for storing azithromycin comprising at least one gas impermeable material effective to protect azithromycin from degradation, especially at elevated temperatures.

One embodiment of the invention encompasses containers for storing azithromycin comprising a container having at least one gas impermeable material and capable of being sealed. Generally, the container may include bottles, jar, pouches, envelopes, bags, and the like. Preferably, the container is in the form of a pouch or bag and comprises at least one gas impermeable material in the form of a sheet. The gas impermeable package may be selected from any material known in the art to be gas impermeable. Preferably, the material is oxygen and/or air impermeable. Preferably, the material is in the form of at least one laminate aluminum containing polymer. More preferably, the material is in the form of laminate aluminum containing polymer. An example of the polymer is polyethylene. The sheet may contact itself to form an envelope or a bag or may contact a second sheet of gas impermeable material to form a cavity wherein the azithromycin is placed.

There may be a better stabilizing effect of proposed double aluminum laminate instead of polyethylene in aluminum laminate.

Another embodiment of the invention encompasses methods for storing azithromycin comprising placing azithromycin in a container comprising at least one gas impermeable layer having an exterior and an intimate layer, wherein the intimate layer is prepared from a gas impermeable material and is capable of being sealed. The azithromycin may be in the form of a unit dosage of azithromycin. The unit dosage form may be a 250 mg, 500 mg, or 600 mg unit.

Another embodiment of the invention encompasses methods for packaging azithromycin, wherein the packaging delays or prevents azithromycin from degradation caused by water, oxygen, or both. As used herein, the term “delay or prevents degradation” as applied to azithromycin refers to the formation of no more than 5% by weight of azithromycin degradation products, preferably, no more than 3% by weight of degradation products. In another embodiment, the azithromycin storage conditions include at least one of a temperature of about 25° C. to about 55° C.; 60% relative humidity; or a time of at least one month. Alternatively, the packaging allows for less than about 5% of azithromycin monohydrate to transform to azithromycin dihydrate upon storage for one year. In another embodiment, the azithromycin storage conditions include at least one of a temperature of about 25° C. to about 55° C.; wherein at 55° C. with uncontrolled humidity the azithromycin monohydrate is stable for at least one month, preferable for at least 3 months, and wherein at 25° C. with 60% relative humidity, the azithromycin monohydrate is stable for at least one month, preferable at least 3 months and more preferably for at least one year.

The regular packaging material, which is used for stability studies, is polyethylene of low density wrapped into aluminum laminate. The polyethylene of low density is penetrable for gases.

The stability of azithromycin is substantially increased when the material is packed directly in aluminum laminate bags. Use of this packaging material enables one to store safely the azithromycin at normal temperatures.

It has also been found that the addition of antioxidants to azithromycin protects azithromycin from degradation at elevated temperatures, which may be due to oxidation and/or other means.

Thus, some of embodiments of the present invention are directed to a stabilized azithromycin composition. In several embodiments, the azithromycin used is azithromycin ethanolate monohydrate. Azithromycin ethanolate monohydrate is a stable azithromycin compound disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,365,574, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In one embodiment, the stabilized azithromycin composition comprises azithromycin and an stabilizing-effective amount of an antioxidant. As used herein, “antioxidant” refers to a substance known to inhibit oxidation. Among preferred antioxidants suitable for use in accordance with the present invention are included ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate, ascorbic palmitate, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, 2,4,5-trihydroxybutyrophenone, 4-hydroxymethyl-2,6-di-tert-butylphenol, erythorbic acid, gum guaiac, propyl gallate, thiodipropionic acid, dilauryl thiodipropionate, tert-butylhydroquinone and tocopherols such as vitamin E, and the like, including pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters of these compounds. Preferably, the antioxidant is a food grade antioxidant, however any antioxidant which is generally recognized as pharmaceutically acceptable may be used.

More preferably, the antioxidant is butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, propyl gallate, ascorbic acid, pharmaceutically acceptable salts or esters thereof, or mixtures thereof. Most preferably, the antioxidant is butylated hydroxytoluene or sodium ascorbate.

Preferably, the antioxidant is present in the stabilized azithromycin compositions in an effective amount to retard or prevent degradation of azithromycin, thereby stabilizing the azithromycin. Preferably, the amount of antioxidant is in the range of about 0.01-10% by weight azithromycin. More preferably, the amount of antioxidant is in the range of about 0.1-5% by weight azithromycin. In preferred embodiments, (1) the amount of antioxidant used is such that no more than about 3.8%, preferably no more than about 1.2%, and, most preferably, no more than about 0.86% by weight of azithromycin in the stabilized azithromycin composition is degraded upon exposure to 55° C. for seven days, or (2) the amount of antioxidant used is such that no more than about 1.25%, preferably no more than about 0.8%, and, most preferably, no more than about 0.35% by weight of azithromycin in the stabilized azithromycin composition is degraded upon exposure to 50° C. for 20 hours.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for manufacturing a stabilized azithromycin composition.

In one embodiment, the stabilized azithromycin composition is made by the addition of an antioxidant to a solution of azithromycin before crystallizing the azithromycin from the solution. Upon crystallization, a co-precipitate of azithromycin and antioxidant is formed and recovered from the solution. The co-precipitate comprises azithromycin and antioxidant in intimate admixture. The stabilized composition of azithromycin may then be formulated into suitable dosage forms with conventional excipients.

In another embodiment, the stabilized azithromycin composition is made by the addition of an antioxidant to an azithromycin solution at the onset of crystallization of azithromycin from the solution. A co-precipitate of azithromycin and antioxidant is formed and recovered from the solution. The co-precipitate comprises azithromycin and antioxidant in intimate admixture. The stabilized composition of azithromycin may then be formulated into suitable dosage forms with conventional excipients.

In yet another embodiment, a stabilized azithromycin composition is made by addition of an antioxidant to an azithromycin solution and the partial or total evaporation of the solvent. Preferably, this embodiment comprises the steps of: 1) dissolving azithromycin and an antioxidant in a first solvent; 2) evaporating the first solvent to form a dry residue; 3) redissolving the dry residue in a second (not necessarily different) solvent; 4) crystallizing azithromycin and 5) adding additional antioxidant at the onset of crystallization. A co-precipitate of azithromycin and antioxidant is formed and recovered from the solution. The co-precipitate comprise azithromycin and antioxidant in intimate admixture. The stabilized composition of azithromycin may then be formulated into suitable dosage forms with conventional excipients.

The preferred solvent in the disclosed methods is an alcohol. More preferably, the solvent is a lower straight or branched-chain alkanol such as ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, etc.

In still another embodiment, a stabilized azithromcyin composition is made by co-milling azithromycin and antioxidant to form an intimate admixture. Co-milling may be done by grinding the azithromycin and antioxidant using conventional methods such as with a mortar and pestle or by co-micronizing the azithromycin and antioxidant.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to pharmaceutical formulations comprising a stabilized azithromycin composition as described herein and methods for making such pharmaceutical formulations. The pharmaceutical formulations typically contain, in addition to the stabilized azithromycin composition, one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, such as binders, fillers, disintegrants, carriers, lubricants, glidants, flavorants, colorants, buffers, thickening agents, etc. Some excipients can serve multiple functions, for example as both binder and disintegrant.

The pharmaceutical formulations comprising a stabilized azithromycin composition include dosage forms such as tablets, granulates, dragees, hard or soft capsules, powders, solutions, emulsions, suspensions, or the like. Tablets are particularly preferred dosage forms of the pharmaceutical formulations in accordance with the present invention. Among the methods for forming preferred tablet dosage forms are included, e.g., wet granulation, dry granulation, e.g., compaction and slugging, and direct compression.

Examples of tablet disintegrants useful in accordance with the present invention are starch, pregelatinized starch, sodium starch glycolate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, cross inked sodium carboxymethylcellulose (sodium croscarmellose; crosslinked starch available under the registered trademark Ac-Di-Sol from FMC Corp., Philadelphia, Pa.), clays (e.g. magnesium aluminum silicate), microcrystalline cellulose (of the type available under the registered trademark Avicel from FMC Corp. or the registered trademark Emcocel from Mendell Corp., Carmel, N.Y.), alginates, gums, surfactants, effervescent mixtures, hydrous aluminum silicate, cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone (available commercially under the registered trademark PVP-XL from International Specialty Products, Inc.), and others as known in the art.

Among preferred disintegrants are sodium croscarmellose (Ac-Di-Sol), sodium starch glycolate (available commercially under the registered trademarks Primojel from Avebe (Union, N.J.) or Generichem, (Little Falls, N.J.), pregelatinized starch and Explotab from Mendell Corp.), microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel), and cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP-XL).

Examples of binders include, e.g., acacia, cellulose derivatives (such as methylcellulose and carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose), gelatin, glucose, dextrose, xylitol, polymethacrylates, polyvinylpyrrolidone, starch paste, sucrose, sorbitol, pregelatinized starch, gum tragacanth, alginic acids and salts thereof such as sodium alginate, magnesium aluminum silicate, polyethylene glycol, guar gum, bentonites, and the like.

Flavors incorporated in the composition may be chosen from synthetic flavor oils and flavoring aromatics and/or natural oils, extracts from plants leaves, flowers, fruits, and so forth and combinations thereof. These may include cinnamon oil, oil of wintergreen, peppermint oils, clove oil, bay oil, anise oil, eucalyptus, thyme oil, cedar leaf oil, oil of nutmeg, oil of sage, oil of bitter almonds, and cassia oil. Also useful as flavors are vanilla, citrus oil, including lemon, orange, grape, lime and grapefruit, and fruit essences, including apple, banana, pear, peach, strawberry, raspberry, cherry, plum, pineapple, apricot, and so forth. The amount of flavoring may depend on a number of factors including the organoleptic effect desired. Generally the flavoring will be present in an amount of from 0.5 to about 3.0 percent by weight based on the total tablet weight, when a flavor is used.

A variety of materials may be used as fillers or diluents. Examples are spray-dried or anhydrous lactose, sucrose, dextrose, mannitol, sorbitol, starch (e.g. starch 1500), cellulose (e.g. microcrystalline cellulose; Avicel), dihydrated or anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate (available commercially under the registered trademark Emcompress from Mendell or A-Tab and Di-Tab from Rhone-Poulenc, Inc., Monmouth Junction, N.J.), calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, and others as known in the art. A preferred filler in accordance with the present invention is dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate or anhydrous.

Lubricants can also be employed herein in the manufacture of certain dosage forms, and will usually be employed when producing tablets. Examples of lubricants are magnesium stearate, talc, stearic acid, glycerylbehenate, polyethylene glycol, ethylene oxide polymers (for example, available under the registered trademark Carbowax from Union Carbide, Inc., Danbury, Conn.), sodium lauryl sulfate, magnesium lauryl sulfate, sodium oleate, sodium stearyl fumarate, DL-leucine, colloidal silica, and others as known in the art. Preferred lubricants are magnesium stearate, and mixtures of magnesium stearate with sodium lauryl sulfate. Lubricants generally comprise 0.5 to 7.0% of the total tablet weight.

Other excipients such as glidants and coloring agents may also be added to azithromycin tablets. Coloring agents may include titanium dioxide and/or dyes suitable for food such as those known as F. D. & C, dyes and natural coloring agents such as grape skin extract, beet red powder, beta carotene, annato, carmine, turmeric, paprika, and so forth. A coloring agent is an optional ingredient in the compositions of this invention, but when used will generally be present in an amount up to about 3.5 percent based on the total tablet weight.

As known in the art, tablet blends may be dry-granulated or wet granulated before tableting. Alternatively, tablet blends may be directly compressed. The choice of processing approach depends upon the properties of the drug and chosen excipients, for example particle size, blending compatibility, density and flowability. For azithromycin tablets, granulation is preferred, with wet granulation being most preferred. The stabilized azithromycin composition may be wet-granulated, and then other excipients may be added extragranularly. Alternatively, the stabilized azithromycin composition and one or more excipients may be wet-granulated. Dry granulation, such as compaction and/or slugging with or without an intragranular excipient may also be used to make the tablets, followed by tabletting with or without extragranular excipients. In addition, tablets may also be coated, with a coating that exhibits little or no effect on or interference with tablet dissolution, to assure ease of swallowing or to provide an elegant appearance.

Tablets may be film-coated to provide ease of swallowing and an elegant appearance. Many polymeric film-coating materials are known in the art, including, e.g., hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC). HPMC may be obtained commercially, for example from Colorcon Corp., in coating formulations containing excipients which serve as coating aids, under the registered trademark Opadry. Opadry formulations may contain lactose, polydextrose, triacetin, polyethyleneglycol, polysorbate 80, titanium dioxide, and one or more dyes or lakes. Other suitable film-forming polymers also may be used herein, including, hydroxypropylcellulose, and acrylate-methacrylate copolymers.

Conventional tableting processes are employed, e.g., by forming a tablet from a desired blend or mixture of ingredients into the appropriate shape using a conventional tablet press. Tablet formulation and conventional processing techniques have been widely described, for Example in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Tablets; Edited By Lieberman, Lachman, and Schwartz; Published by Marcel Dekker, Inc., 2d Edition, Copyright 1989, the text of which is herein incorporated by reference.

The azithromycin dosage forms of this invention also include powders to make oral suspensions, and also the oral suspensions themselves. Generally the powder is a non-caking, free flowing powder which is sold direct to pharmacies or other retail outlets and then made up into the actual suspension by a pharmacist. The oral suspension is thus the actual dosage form ingested by patients.

Azithromycin suspensions may contain, e.g., in addition to a stabilized azithromycin composition, one or more thickening agents, a buffer or pH-altering agent. Dispersing agents may also be used to facilitate formation of a suspension.

Suitable thickening agents function as suspending agents and include, for example, hydrocolloid gums known for such purpose, examples of which include xanthan gum, guar gum, locust bean gum, gum tragacanth, and the like. Alternatively, synthetic suspending agents may be used such as sodium carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, hydroxypropylcellulose and the like. Dispersing agents include colloidal silicon dioxide, available from Cabot Corporation, Boston, Mass. under the trade designation Cab-O-Sil.

A powder used to make a suspension may also contain conventional optional ingredients such as (1) wetting agents such as sorbitan monolaurate, polysorbate 80, and sodium lauryl sulfate; (2) anti-foaming agents and (3) sweeteners and fillers such as glucose. The powder may also contain a buffer to maintain a high pH upon reconstitution, as discussed above. Suitable buffers and pH-altering agents include tribasic sodium phosphate, anhydrous sodium carbonate, glycine, and the like. Suitable preservatives are well known, for example sodium benzoate and the like.

A stabilized azithromycin composition in accordance with the present invention may be formulated in a unit dose packet dosage form or sachet. Such a packet will typically contains a blend of azithromycin and excipients which is thus reconstituted. In addition to a stabilized azithromycin composition in accordance with the present invention, the packet may contain, for example, a dispersing agent which makes the sachet powder free flowing, for example colloidal silicon dioxide such as Cab-O-Sil from Cabot. The dispersing agent may also serve as a glidant. The formulation may also optionally contain ingredients including (1) a filler or sweetener (e.g. glucose); (2) a buffer (e.g. sodium phosphate); (3) a wetting agent such as a surfactant, for example sodium lauryl sulfate, and (4) flavors such as any of those enumerated herein, and the like. The powder in the packet flows freely and disperses quickly, essentially immediately upon stirring when reconstituted.

EXAMPLES

Although the following examples illustrate the practice of the present invention in some of its embodiments, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Other embodiments will be apparent to one skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and examples.

Example 1

Several azithromycin samples were analyzed using HPLC to determine the level of impurities within each sample. The analytical conditions of the HPLC were column of 150×4.6 mm; packing material of Kromasil KR 100-5C18, 5Φ; and an eluent of 40% 0.05 M K₂HPO₄ adjusted to a pH of 8.2 and 60% acetonitrile. The flow rate was 0.9 ml/min; the detector set at 210 nm; and column temperature of 30° C. The samples were injected into the HPLC and run for over 35 min. The impurities were determined by their relative retention times (RRT) as compared to azithromycin and were reported as a weight percent (versus azithromycin) of the total composition. Additional impurities found in the samples were reported under “other RRT” as a weight percent of the azithromycin content. The results of the analytical tests is summarized in Table A. Table A demonstrates a finding of the main azithromycin degradation products where azithromycin batches have been stored under uncontrolled temperature conditions (25° C. and higher) in regular packages (intimate package is LDPE and exterior is aluminum laminate). The lowest row of the table sums up each impurity content for all batches. The raw data reveals that the main degradants of azithromycin upon storage are RRT 0.26, 0.34, 0.37, and 0.80. RRT (%) Other Total AZT Batch 0.16 0.18 0.23 0.26 0.34 0.37 0.40 0.49 0.60 0.80 0.88 RRT % % Batch 1 ND <0.1 ND 0.13 0.45 0.14 ND ND ND 0.25 ND 0.45 1.7 Batch 2 ND <0.1 ND ND 0.32 <0.1 ND ND ND 0.24 ND 0.49 1.3 Batch 3 0.15 ND ND 0.16 0.64 0.32 ND ND ND <0.1 ND 0.64 1.5 Batch 4 ND ND ND <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 ND <0.1 ND <0.1 ND 0.00 0.0 Batch 5 ND ND ND <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 ND <0.1 ND 0.11 ND 0.11 0.2 Batch 6 ND <0.1 ND <0.1 ND <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 ND ND ND 0.00 0.0 Batch 7 ND <0.1 ND <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 ND ND ND ND ND 0.16 0.2 Batch 7 ND <0.1 ND 0.41 0.37 0.23 0.22 ND ND 0.20 ND 0.41 1.4 Batch 8 ND <0.1 ND 0.14 0.16 <0.1 ND ND ND ND ND 0.16 0.4 Batch 8 ND <0.1 ND 0.28 0.28 0.19 0.21 ND ND 0.14 ND 0.28 1.2 Batch 9 ND ND ND ND <0.1 <0.1 ND ND ND ND ND 0.00 0.0 Batch 9 ND ND ND 0.29 0.40 0.17 ND <0.1 ND 0.12 ND 0.40 1.2 Batch 10 ND ND <0.1 ND 0.13 <0.1 ND ND ND <0.1 ND 0.13 0.2 Batch 10 ND ND ND <0.1 0.18 0.11 ND 0.10 ND <0.1 ND 0.18 0.5 Batch 11 ND ND ND <0.1 0.13 <0.1 ND <0.1 ND <0.1 ND 0.16 0.4 Batch 12 <0.1 ND <0.1 0.18 0.23 <0.1 <0.1 ND ND <0.1 ND 0.23 0.5 Sum of 0.15 0.00 0.00 1.59 3.29 1.16 0.43 0.10 0.00 1.06 0.00 impurities

Example 2 Storage Testing

Three samples of azithromycin were separately packaged in a standard polyethylene bag, and then the polyethylene bags containing azithromycin were separately packaged into aluminum bags with silica gel. The stored azithromycin was submitted to stability programs either long term or accelerated to determine the effect upon azithromycin stability and the production of degradation products. The longer term stability program comprised submitting the sample to a temperature of about 25° C.±2° C. at a relative humidity of 60%±5%. The accelerated program comprised submitting the sample to a temperature of about 40° C.±2° C. at a relative humidity of 75%+5%. The samples were analyzed at regular intervals to determine the impurity profiles as assayed by HPLC using the technique described in Example 1. The water content was determined by Karl Fischer methodology; and the ethanol content was determined by gas chromatography. The results of these tests are summarized in Table B, where “Any %” means any kind of impurity that gives the highest content in azithromycin. TABLE B Azithromycin Stability in polyethylene bag Impurities AZT Time Temp. Any Total % % Batch (months) (° C.) % % Water Ethanol Batch 0 0.12 0.33 2.99 2.2 No. 4 3^(a) 25° C. 0.55 2.14 2.97 2.2 1^(b) 40° C. 0.45 1.93 3.13 2.1 2^(b) 0.65 3.10 2.65 1.8 3^(b) 0.77 3.71 2.95 1.8 Batch 0 0.12 0.22 3.83 1.9 No. 5 3^(a) 25° C. 0.49 2.17 2.93 1.8 1^(b) 40° C. 0.43 1.77 3.22 1.8 2^(b) 0.72 2.78 2.86 1.6 3^(b) 1.11 5.07 3.27 1.5 Batch 0 <0.1% <0.1% 3.78 2.0 No. 6 3^(a) 25° C. 0.32 1.40 2.75 2.0 1^(b) 40° C. 0.44 1.71 3.21 1.9 2^(b) 0.62 2.08 2.80 1.9 3^(b) 0.81 3.94 3.12 1.7 ^(a)Long term program. ^(b)Accelerated program.

Evaluation of results shown in Table B demonstrated that more degradation products were produced at higher temperatures, i.e. 40° C., as compared to either the starting material or at lower temperatures, i.e. 25° C. Table C contains a detailed presentation of the impurity profile for the tested batches wherein the impurities were reported as by RRT and weight percentage of the total composition. TABLE C Extended Analytical Profile for Azithromycin AZT Time Temp Impurities RRT (%) Batch (months) ° C. 0.26 0.35 0.38 0.40 0.82 Batch 0 <0.1 0.12 <0.1 <0.1 No. 4 3^(a) 25 0.40 0.43 0.29 0.21 0.34 1^(b) 40 0.45 0.42 0.28 0.22 0.31 2^(b) 0.65 0.61 0.50 0.22 0.46 3^(b) 0.72 0.77 0.50 0.37 0.61 3^(b) 55 0.78 0.91 0.61 0.34 0.73 Batch 0 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 0.12 No. 5 3^(a) 25 0.49 0.46 0.44 0.15 0.18 1^(b) 40 0.39 0.43 0.23 0.25 0.25 2^(b) 0.59 0.72 0.37 0.19 0.35 3^(b) 1.41 0.76 0.72 0.19 0.52 3^(b) 55 1.27 1.19 1.22 0.06 0.91 Batch 0 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 No. 6 3^(a) 25 0.31 0.32 0.3 0.1 0.12 1^(b) 40 0.44 0.40 0.26 0.25 <0.1 2^(b) 0.49 0.62 0.27 0.16 0.20 3^(b) 0.74 0.71 0.67 0.19 0.47 3^(b) 55 0.92 0.87 0.92 0.06 0.65 ^(a)Long term program. ^(b)Accelerated program.

Example 3 Azithromycin Stability as a Function of Storage Temperature

Samples of azithromycin were placed in storage bags and each batch sample was analyzed after storage at a variety of temperatures using the analytical techniques as described in Example 1. Each batch was packaged in a polyethylene bag and subsequently, each bag was packaged in an aluminum bag with silica gel. Table D summarizes the effects of storage temperature on the production of azithromycin degradation products. The results demonstrate that storing azithromycin at low temperatures (+5° C.) leads to inhibition of the production of degradation products. TABLE D Azithromycin Stability as a Function of Storage Temperature AZT Time RRT (%) Other Total Batch (months) T° C. 0.26 0.34 0.37 0.80 RRT % % Batch 0 <0.1 0.07 0.03 <0.1 <0.1 0.1 No. 4 3 2-8 0.07 0.12 0.06 0.06 0.12 0.3 3 25 0.36 0.41 0.26 0.32 0.41 1.5 Batch 0 <0.1 0.07 0.03 <0.1 <0.1 0.1 No. 5 3 2-8 0.10 0.15 0.07 0.08 0.15 0.4 3 25 0.44 0.62 0.39 0.43 0.62 1.9 Batch 0 <0.1 0.13 0.07 0.04 0.13 0.2 No. 6 3 2-8 0.07 0.17 0.11 0.03 0.17 0.4 3 25 0.39 0.57 0.32 0.34 0.57 1.8

Example 4 Azithromycin Stability as a Function of Layered Storage Container

Five different samples of azithromycin were stored in a variety of packages to determine the amount of degradation products after a particular time and temperature. Using HPLC analytical methodology as described in Example 1, the presence and amount of degradation products for each package were determined. Each sample was packaged directly into an aluminum laminate, or packaged in an inner polyethylene (PE) bag and exterior aluminum laminate bag. Each sample was stored at an elevated temperature for 6-7 days. The results demonstrate that fewer azithromycin degradation products were found in the aluminum laminate bags as compared to the polyethylene/aluminum laminate double bag. Table E summarizes the effect of different packaging on the stability of azithromycin. TABLE E Azithromycin Stability as a Function of Time RRT (%) AZT Time Other Batch Package (days) T° C. 0.25 0.33 0.36 0.78 0.80 RRT % Batch 0 <0.1 0.12 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 0.12 No. 4 direct in Al laminate 6 55 0.17 0.14 0.07 0.11 <0.1 0.17 PE bag in Al laminate 6 55 0.49 0.48 0.26 0.35 <0.1 0.49 Batch 0 0.09 0.08 0.03 <0.1 0.06 0.10 No. 5 direct in Al laminate 6 55 0.13 0.10 0.03 0.08 0.07 0.13 PE bag in Al laminate 6 55 0.36 0.36 0.15 0.2 0.06 0.36 Batch 0 0.05 0.05 0.03 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 No. 13 direct in Al laminate 6 55 0.14 0.12 0.05 0.05 <0.1 0.14 PE bag in Al laminate 6 55 0.42 0.44 0.19 0.27 <0.1 0.44 Batch 0 0.37 0.38 0.19 <0.1 0.22 0.38 No. 7 direct in Al laminate 7 55 0.37 0.39 0.14 <0.1 0.22 0.39 PE bag in Al laminate 7 55 0.49 0.51 0.26 <0.1 0.28 0.51 Batch 0 0.08 0.18 0.08 <0.1 <0.1 0.18 No. 10 direct in Al laminate 7 55 0.12 0.25 0.10 <0.1 0.06 0.25 PE bag in Al laminate 7 55 0.24 0.41 0.18 <0.1 0.15 0.41

Example 5 Double Aluminum Laminate Package Studies

Different batches of azithromycin were packaged in double aluminum laminate bags under a variety of conditions. The storage conditions included long term (2° C. to 8° C.); humid long term (25° C.±2° C. at 60%±5% relative humidity); humid accelerated (25° C.±2° C. at 60%±5% relative humidity); and high humidity accelerated (40° C. at 70%±5% relative humidity). After a predetermined amount of time, each sample was analyzed according to the analytical technique described in Example 1. Table F summarizes the test data. The decomposition of azithromycin in a double layer of aluminum laminate packaging was significantly inhibited. Even at a temperature of 40° C., the impurity increase was very moderate and close to the results at 25° C. TABLE F Azithromycin Stability in Double Aluminum Bags. Impurities AZT Time RRT (%) Other % % Batch (months) 0.26 0.34 0.37 0.78 RRT % Total % Water EtOH Batch 0 0.29 0.40 0.17 0.12 0.40 1.30 3.22 2.1 No. 10 3^(a) 0.24 0.32 0.16 0.15 0.32 0.98 3.40 2.1 3^(b) 0.30 0.39 0.18 0.21 0.39 1.29 3.69 2.1 1^(c) 0.29 0.40 0.20 0.22 0.40 1.22 2.90 2.2 2^(c) 0.33 0.33 0.25 0.20 0.33 1.31 3.31 2.1 3^(c) 0.30 0.39 0.18 0.21 0.39 1.29 3.69 2.1 1^(d) 0.34 0.49 0.22 0.19 0.49 1.35 3.17 2.2 2^(d) 0.40 0.37 0.35 0.24 0.40 1.57 3.11 2.2 3^(d) 0.38 0.46 0.25 0.28 0.46 1.47 3.46 2.2 Batch 0 <0.10 0.18 0.11 <0.10 0.18 0.53 3.66 2.2 No. 11 3^(a) <0.10 0.15 <0.10 <0.10 0.15 0.26 3.90 2.1 3^(b) <0.10 0.19 0.12 <0.10 0.19 0.54 3.75 2.1 1^(c) <0.10 0.20 <0.10 <0.10 0.20 0.37 3.69 2.1 2^(c) <0.10 0.16 0.12 <0.03 0.16 0.41 3.77 2.1 3^(c) <0.10 0.19 0.12 <0.10 0.19 0.54 3.75 2.1 1^(d) 0.12 0.24 0.12 <0.10 0.24 0.75 3.65 2.1 2^(d) 0.15 0.18 0.18 <0.10 0.18 0.65 3.47 2.2 3^(d) 0.21 0.31 0.15 0.11 0.31 0.90 3.84 2.1 Batch 0 <0.03 0.13 <0.10 <0.03 0.16 0.42 3.67 2.2 No. 12 3^(a) <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 0.14 0.25 3.69 2.1 3^(b) <0.10 0.17 <0.10 <0.10 0.16 0.42 3.64 2.2 1^(c) <0.10 0.17 <0.10 <0.10 0.17 0.30 3.51 2.1 2^(c) <0.10 0.12 0.11 <0.10 0.13 0.57 3.64 2.1 3^(c) <0.10 0.17 <0.10 <0.10 0.17 0.39 3.64 2.2 1^(d) 0.13 0.26 <0.10 <0.10 0.26 0.52 3.63 2.1 2^(d) 0.15 0.17 0.15 <0.10 0.17 0.60 3.44 2.2 3^(d) 0.13 0.22 <0.10 <0.03 0.22 0.60 3.73 2.2 ^(a)Long term. ^(b)Humid long term. ^(c)Humid accelerated. ^(d)High humidity accelerated.

Example 6 Year Long Azithromycin Study

Samples of azithromycin Form A were separately packaged into polyethylene/aluminum laminate bags, and each polyethylene/aluminum laminate bag was packaged into a second polyethylene/aluminum laminate bag. Each bag was subjected to a stability program (a) 25° C.±2° C. at 60% relative humidity or (b) 40° C.±2° C. at 75% relative humidity. After one year, each sample was analyzed as described in Example 1 to determine the presence and amount of degradation products. The impurity level for each sample was determined to be not more than 0.5%. Thus, each tested batch demonstrated the stability of azithromycin of greater than 1 year. Storage Lot No. Conditions Interval RRT = 0.26 RRT = 0.34 RRT = 0.37 RRT = 0.78 Total Lot 1 25° C./60% RH 0 MT <0.10 0.18 0.11 <0.10 0.53 25° C./60% RH 1 MT <0.10 0.20 <0.10 <0.10 0.37 25° C./60% RH 2 MT <0.10 0.16 <0.03 <0.03 0.41 25° C./60% RH 3 MT <0.10 0.19 <0.10 <0.10 0.54 25° C./60% RH 6 MT 0.11 0.19 <0.10 <0.10 0.53 25° C./60% RH 9 MT 0.13 0.19 <0.10 <0.10 0.60 25° C./60% RH 12 MT  0.15 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 0.60 25° C./60% RH 18 MT  0.17 0.19 <0.10 <0.10 0.91 Lot 1 40° C./75% RH 0 MT <0.10 0.18 0.11 <0.10 0.53 40° C./75% RH 1 MT 0.12 0.24 0.12 <0.10 0.75 40° C./75% RH 2 MT 0.15 0.18 0.18 <0.10 0.65 40° C./75% RH 3 MT 0.21 0.31 0.15 0.11 0.90 40° C./75% RH 6 MT 0.34 0.34 0.22 0.12 1.30 Lot 2 25° C./60% RH 0 MT <0.03 0.13 <0.10 <0.03 0.42 25° C./60% RH 1 MT <0.10 0.17 <0.10 <0.10 0.30 25° C./60% RH 2 MT <0.10 0.12 0.11 <0.10 0.57 25° C./60% RH 3 MT <0.10 0.17 <0.10 <0.10 0.39 25° C./60% RH 6 MT 0.1 0.15 0.10 <0.10 0.46 25° C./60% RH 9 MT 0.16 0.16 0.14 <0.10 0.70 25° C./60% RH 12 MT  0.18 0.25 0.16 0.11 1.00 25° C./60% RH 18 MT  0.15 0.26 <0.10 0.11 0.89 Lot 2 40° C./75% RH 0 MT <0.03 0.13 <0.10 <0.03 0.42 40° C./75% RH 1 MT 0.13 0.26 <0.10 <0.10 0.52 40° C./75% RH 2 MT 0.15 0.17 0.15 <0.10 0.60 40° C./75% RH 3 MT 0.13 0.22 <0.10 <0.03 0.60 40° C./75% RH 6 MT 0.16 <0.10 0.12 <0.10 0.56 The typical peak of azithromycin dihydrate in Form A is 13.2 degrees two-theta.

Example 7 Azithromycin Monohydrate Stability

A sample of azithromycin monohydrate is packaged into a polyethylene/aluminum laminate bag. The storage conditions include a temperature of about 25° C. and/or 60% relative humidity. After 3 months, the X-ray diffraction pattern shows that less than about 5% of azithromycin monohydrate is transformed to the dihydrate form.

General Disclosure with Respect to the Below Examples

The dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate used was Emcompress®, which is available from Penwest Pharmaceuticals Co., Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The sodium starch glycolate used was Explotabg, which is also available from Penwest Pharmaceuticals. Sodium lauryl sulfate was used as received from Cognis (Henkel). The povidone used was povidone K-25 as received from ISP Pharmaceuticals. The colloidal silicon dioxide used was either Cab-O-Sil®, available from Astro Chemicals Inc., Springfield, Mass., or Aerosil 200®, available from Degussa. The dibasic calcium phosphate used was A-Tab, which is available from Rhodia (Rhone Poulenc). The pregelatinized starch used was Starch 1500®, which is available from Colorcon. The croscarmellose sodium used was Ac-Di-Sol®, which is available from Farma International. The tablet coating used was Opadry®, which is available from Colorcon. The xanthan gum used is available from Kelco.

Quantitation Method Used in Accelerated Stability Studies

The quantity of impurities present before and after oxidative stress were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography, employing the following conditions:

-   -   Column: RP18, 5μ, 150×4.6 mm     -   Eluent: 40% 0.05M of potassium hydrogen phosphate (K₂HPO₄)         adjusted to pH 8.2 with 20% phosphoric acid; 60% acetonitrile     -   Flow rate: 0.9 ml min⁻¹     -   Detection: UV, λ=210 nm     -   Column Temp.: 30° C.

Sample

-   -   Volume: 50 μl     -   Diluent: Same as Eluent

Sample solutions were freshly prepared from azithromycin and injected on column. The percentages of impurities were calculated from the integrator output.

Performance Evaluation

The performance of the HPLC system was tested using standardized solutions of AZT and DMAZT.

Example 8

Admixtures of Azithromycin and BHT

Mixtures of azithromycin and BHT were prepared using various methods of admixing to assess their effectiveness at inhibiting degradation of azithromycin.

Preparative

Preparation 1 [CS Ex. 1: precipitated]

Technical grade azithromycin (10 g, 13 mmol) and BHT (0.18 g, 0.82 mmol, 6.1 mole %) were dissolved in absolute ethanol (30 ml) at 20° C. in a 250 ml three-necked flat flanged jacketed vessel equipped with a mechanical stirrer, a condenser and thermometer. Water (3 ml) was added at 20° C. and the solution was heated at a constant 9° C. h.sup.-1 temperature gradient to 55° C. over about 4 hours. More water (11 ml) was slowly added to the vessel at between 35° C. and 55° C., which caused a precipitate to form. The resulting suspension was maintained at 55° C. for another two hours. During this time interval more water (49 ml) was added to the suspension. The suspension was then cooled at a constant temperature gradient from 55° C. to 20° C. over 2 hours and filtered at 20° C. After drying, a stable dry product (9 g, 90%) was obtained.

Preparation 2 [CS Ex. 2: Added at Cloudiness]

Technical grade azithromycin (10 g, 13.35 mmol) was dissolved in absolute ethanol (30 ml) at 20° C. in a 250 ml three-necked flat flanged jacketed vessel equipped with a mechanical stirrer, a condenser and thermometer. Water (3 ml) was added at 20° C. and the solution was heated at a constant 9° C. h⁻¹ temperature gradient to 55° C. over about 4 hours. More water (11 ml) was slowly added to the vessel at between 35° C. and 55° C. Azithromycin began to precipitate from the solution at 46° C. BHT (0.18 g, 0.82 mmol, 6.1 mole %) was added at the first sign of cloudiness. After reaching 55° C., the suspension was maintained at that temperature for another two hours, over which time more water (49 ml) was added. The suspension was then cooled at a constant 18° C. h-1 temperature gradient from 55° C. to 20° C. over about 2 hours and then filtered at 20° C. A stable dry product (9 g, 90%) was obtained after drying.

Preparation 3 [CS Ex. 3: Portion Evaporated Portion Added at Cloudiness]

Technical grade azithromycin (10 g, 13 mmol), and BHT (0.12 g, 0.54 mmol, 4.1 mole %) were dissolved in absolute ethanol (30 ml) at 20° C. in a 250 ml three-necked flat flanged jacketed vessel equipped with a mechanical stirrer, a condenser and thermometer. The ethanol was evaporated and the dry residue was taken up in fresh absolute ethanol (20 ml). Water (3 ml) was added at 20° C. and the solution was heated at a constant 9° C. h⁻¹ temperature gradient to 55° C. over about 4 hours. More water (11 ml) was slowly added to the vessel at between 35° C. and 55° C. Azithromycin began to precipitate from the solution at 46° C. BHT (180 mg, 0.82 mmol, 6.1 mole %) was added at the first sign of cloudiness. After reaching 55° C., the suspension was maintained at that temperature for another two hours, over which time more water (49 ml) was added. The suspension was cooled at a constant temperature gradient of 18° C. h⁻¹ from 55.° C. to 20° C. over about 2 hours and then filtered at 20° C. A stable dry product (9 g, 90%) was obtained after drying.

Preparation 4 [Milling]

Azithromycin (1 g, 1.3 mmol) was weighed out and set aside. BHT (12 mg, 0.054 mmol, 4.1 mole %) was finely milled with a mortar and pestle. The azithromycin was added portionwise to the BHT. Each portion was thoroughly milled with the BHT using the mortar and pestle.

Preparation 5 [Comparative]

In this example, no antioxidant was used. In other respects, the azithromycin was processed according to Preparation 1 and the resulting product was used as a control sample against which to compare the degradation rates of stabilized azithromycin compositions.

Methodology

Samples of azithromycin admixtures prepared according to preparations 1-5 were analyzed by HPLC for impurity content immediately after their preparation by mixing with an appropriate quantity of eluent to give an approximately 4 mg/ml clear solution. Another sample of each of the preparations was stored at 55° C. The vial contents were analyzed by HPLC seven days after being placed in the oven.

Results

The results of the accelerated stability study on stabilized azithromycin are recorded in Table 1. TABLE 1 Comparison of Degradation of Azithromycin stabilized with BHT and without Stabilization Upon Exposure to 55° C. Total Impurities Total Impurities Exposure After BHT Before Exposure Time Exposure Percent Preparation (mole %) (% Area) (Days) (% Area) Change Method of Admixing 1 6.1 0.66 7 1.16 0.50 AZT and BHT co-precipitated from solution 2 6.1 0.88 7 0.98 0.10 Precipitation of AZT from a suspension of BHT 3 4.1 0.66 7 0.86 0.20 Co-precipitation of AZT and BHT from a suspension of BHT 4 4.1 0.25 16 1.03 0.78 Milling 5 — 0.27 7 3.76 3.49 No BHT was used

The four different techniques of intimately admixing azithromycin and BHT used in Preparations 1-4 led to a significant reduction in impurity content, relative to the control, after the admixture was subjected to oxidative stress. The stability results suggest that degradation occurs by an oxidation pathway because of the general inhibition achieved by adding the free radical inhibitor BHT. The degrees of inhibition observed using the different techniques of admixing are significantly different. Comparison of the results from Preparations 1 and 2 shows that oxidation is inhibited somewhat more effectively by adding the stabilizer as soon as the azithromycin begins to precipitate from the ethanolic solution, rather than before, but that both techniques are highly effective. It is believed that addition of the stabilizer at the time that the azithromycin begins to precipitate from the solution may be more effective relative to addition of the stabilizer before precipitation because the stabilizer or antioxidant (such as BHT) is more effectively entrapped within the already formed crystals and consequently has increased protective activity. If the crystals are not yet formed, the stabilizer or antioxidant is more easily washed out by the solvent. Comparison of the results from Preparations 2 and 3 shows that the anti-oxidant inhibiting effect of BHT did not diminish over time. The best results of azithromycin stabilization were achieved by forming a stabilized azithromycin composition by co-milling of azitbromycin and an antioxidant such as BHT.

Example 9 Admixtures of Azithromycin and Food Grade Antioxidants

The inhibiting effect of food grade antioxidants was explored at yet lower concentrations and with other mixing methods.

Preparative

Preparation 6 [M 2206]

Technical grade azithromycin was recrystallized from ethanol. No anti-oxidants were added.

Preparation 7 [T 582-02]

Technical grade azithromycin (300 g, 400 mmol) was recrystallized from ethanol. BHT (1.2 g, 5.4 mmol, 1.4 mole %) was dissolved in ethanol and the solution was sprayed onto the azithromycin with thorough mixing.

Preparation 8 [T 592-03]

Technical grade azithromycin (300 g, 400 mmol) was recrystallized from ethanol. BHT (1.2 g, 5.4 mmol, 1.4 mole %) and PG (1.2 g, 5.7 mmol, 1.4 mole %) were dissolved in ethanol and the solution was sprayed onto the azithromycin with thorough mixing.

Preparation 9 [T 582-04]

Technical grade azithromycin (300 g, 400 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol and a solution of BHT (1.2 g, 5.4 mmol, 1.4 mole %) in ethanol was combined with the azithromycin solution. The ethanol was then evaporated leaving a residue of azithromycin and BHT in intimate admixture.

Preparation 10 [T 582-05]

Technical grade azithromycin (300 g, 400 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol and a solution of BHT (1.2 g, 5.4 mmol, 1.4 mole %) and PG (1.2 g, 5.7 mmol, 1.4 mole %) was combined with the azithromycin solution. The ethanol was then evaporated leaving a residue of azithromycin, BHT and PG in intimate admixture.

Methodology

Preparations 6-10 were incubated at 25° C. and 50° C. for 20 hours under open cap conditions.

Results

The results of the accelerated stability study comparing azithromycin stabilized by co-precipitation with an antioxidant and granulation with an antioxidant-containing solution are reported in Table 2. TABLE 2 Comparison of Degradation of Unstabilized Azithromycin, Azithromycin Stabilized by Wet Granulation with Antioxidant and Azithromycin Stabilized by Co-precipitation with an Antioxidant After Twenty Hours at Ambient or Elevated Temperature Temp Antioxidant % Impurity 1 % Impurity 2 % Impurity 3 % Impurity 4 Total Preparation (° C.) (mole %) (RRT^(a) ≈0.23) (RRT^(a) ≈0.30) (RRT^(a) ≈0.34) (RRT^(a) ≈0.76) Impurity Method of Mixing  6^(b) 25 — 0.07 0.19 0.09 0.03 0.38 Antioxidant was not added. unstabilized 50 0.30 0.50 0.16 0.16 1.12 7 25 BHT (1.4^(b)) 0.07 0.24 0.08 0.05 0.44 Azithromycin granulated with an 50 0.32 0.52 0.22 0.16 1.22 ethanolic solution of antioxidant. 8 25 BHT (1.4) 0.06 0.21 0.06 0.04 0.37 Azithromycin granulated with an 50 & PG (1.4) 0.28 0.38 0.27 0.15 1.08 ethanolic solution of antioxidant. 9 25 BHT (1.4) 0.09 0.22 0.07 0.03 0.41 Co-precipitation of AZT and 50 0.08 0.22 0.08 0.06 0.44 antioxidant 10  25 BHT (1.4) 0.08 0.20 0.08 0.03 0.39 Co-precipitation of AZT and 50 & PG (1.4) 0.08 0.22 0.08 0.06 0.44 antioxidant ^(a)RRT = relative retention time ^(b)1.4 mole % corresponds to approximately 0.4 weight percent for both BHT and PG

As can be seen by comparison of the results obtained from Preparations 9 and 10 with those obtained from Preparations 6 and 7, the use of antioxidants resulted in less degradation when the antioxidants were co-precipitated with azithromycin versus granulating azithromycin with an ethanolic solution containing the antioxidants. Degradation of the untreated azithromycin was most significant at elevated temperature, yet elevated temperature had little effect upon the degradation rate of azithromycin that was coprecipitated with an antioxidant (Preparations 9 and 10). In addition, the mode of application of the antioxidant is more important to achieving the inhibiting effect than the amount of antioxidant used (compare the total impurity content of Preparations 8, 9 and 10 after twenty hours at 50° C.).

Example 10

Wet Granulated Tablet of Stabilized Azithromycin

In addition to studying the stability of mixtures highly concentrated in azithromycin (Le., mixtures of azithromycin and an antioxidant), we studied the stability of azithromycin in representative pharmaceutical compositions and dosage forms containing antioxidant mixed with AZT in various ways.

Formulations

Formulation 1 [T 582-02]

Stabilized azithromycin resulting from Preparation 7 was formulated into a wet granulated tablet following the stepwise procedure below using the components in Table 3. TABLE 3 Per mg/ Wt. Batch No Components Tablet % (g) 1 Preparation 7 (AZT granulated 270 58.35% 219.12 with BHT soln.) 2 Dibasic Calcium phosphate 30 6.48 24.28 dihydrate 3 Sodium starch glycolate 9.4 2.03 7.61 4 Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) 3.13 0.68 2.54 5 Povidone K-25 (PVP) 19 4.11 15.36 6 Dibasic Calcium Phosphate 115 24.90 92.95 Dihydrate 7 Sodium starch glycolate (SSG) 9.4 2.03 7.61 8 Magnesium stearate 4.75 1.03 3.82 9 Colloidal silicon dioxide 2.09 0.45 1.69 (Cab-O-Sil ®) Total 462.7 100.00 347.98 10 BHT in Azithromycin: 1.08 0.23 0.88 11 Alcohol 2A (removed in 40 processing) 1. A solution of SLS (2.54 g) and PVP K-25 (15.36 g) was prepared in denatured alcohol formula 2A (40 g) (see USP). 2. Preparation 7 (220.0 g) was mixed in a polyethylene bag with dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate and sodium starch glycolate. 3. The product of step 2 was transferred into a Hobart planetary mixer and granulated with the PVP-SLS solution of step 1 at low speed for 1 minute. 4. The granulate was passed through a hand screen (#8 mesh) and dried at 45° C. for 6 hours in a forced air oven. 5. The dried granulate of step 4 was passed through a hand screen (# 16 mesh). The loss on drying (LOD) of the granulate was 2.9% (90° C.). 6. The screened granulate was additionally dried at 50° C. for 50 minutes at which point LOD=1.6-1.9%. 7. The dried granulation of step 6 was mixed with the dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate and SSG in a polyethylene bag for 2 minutes. 8. In a separate bag colloidal silicon dioxide was mixed with about 100 g of the granulate of step 7 and then passed through a hand screen (# 16 mesh) and then combined with the remaining quantity of the granulate of step 7 and mixed for 1 minute in a polyethylene bag. 9. The magnesium stearate was combined with about 100 g of the granulate of step 8, passed through a hand screen (#16 mesh) and then combined with remaining quantity of step 8 and mixed for 1 minute in polyethylene bag.

Capsule-shape tablets were prepared from the granulate obtained after step 9 using 0.248.times.0.560 inch punches on a B3B Manesty tablet press.

Formulation 2 [T 582-03]

Formulation 2 was prepared using the same inactive ingredients and processing as per Formulation 1 but substituting Preparation 8 containing AZT granulated with an ethanolic solution containing 1.4 mole % of BHT and PG for Preparation 7. The formulation thus contained 0.23 wt. % of each of BHT and PG.

Formulation 3 [T 582-04]

Formulation 3 was prepared using the same inactive ingredients and processing as per Formulation 1 but substituting Preparation 9, a co-precipitate of AZT and 1.4 mole % BHT from an ethanolic solution, for Preparation 7. The formulation thus contained 0.23 wt. % of BHT.

Formulation 4 [T 582-05]

Formulation 4 was prepared using the same inactive ingredients and processing as per Formulation 1 but substituting Preparation 110, a co-precipitate of AZT, 1.4 mole % BHT, and 1.4 mole % PG, from an ethanolic solution, for Preparation 7. The formulation thus contained 0.23 wt. % of BHT and PG.

Methodology

All tablets were stressed under “open cap” conditions at 50° C. for 184 h.

Results

The results of the accelerated stability study on tablets formulated with stabilized azithromycin are reported in Table 4. TABLE 4 Comparison of Stability of Wet-Granulated Tablets Containing 250 mg Stabilized Azithromycin Prepared by Different Methods of Admixing The Azithromycin and Antioxidant Upon Exposure to 50° C. Total Impurities (%) Antioxidant Before Percent Change Formulation Preparation (Wt. % of Tablet) Exposure 66 h 184 h 66 h 184 h Method of Admixing 1 7 BHT (0.23%) 0.47 1.51 2.55 1.04 2.08 AZT granulated with ethanolic solution containing antioxidant. 2 8 BHT (0.23%) 0.37 1.20 2.10 0.83 1.73 AZT granulated with ethanolic PG (0.23%) solution containing antioxidant. 3 9 BHT (0.23%) 0.38 0.71 1.17 0.33 0.79 Co-precipitation of AZT and antioxidant. 4 10 BHT (0.23%) 0.34 0.40 0.58 0.20 0.24 Co-precipitation of AZT and PG (0.23%) antioxidant.

The results recorded in Table 4 show that an intimate admixture of AZT and antioxidant obtained by co-precipitation is more effective at inhibiting degradation in a wet granulated tablet formulation than the application of the antioxidant during wet granulation of the AZT with other excipients.

Example 11

Azithromycin Tablet Prepared by Dry Granulation

The stability of dry granulated tablet formulations of azithromycin that were pre-compressed by roller compaction was also assessed in formulations with and without an added food grade antioxidant.

Formulations

Azithromycin was formulated into dry granulated 500 mg tablets following the stepwise procedure below using the excipients in Table 5. TABLE 5 Formulations (mg/Tablet) Stage Ingredients 5 6 7 8 9 Part I Azithromycin 525.3* 525.3* 525.3* 525.3* 525.3* Colloidal SiO₂ (Aerosil 200 ®) 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 Propyl Gallate — 0.8 — — — BHT — 0.8 — 0.4 0.8 Sodium Ascorbate — — 1.6 — — Part II Dibasic Calcium Phosphate 90.7 89.1 89.1 90.3 89.9 Pregelatinized Starch 55.0 55.0 55.0 55.0 55.0 Croscarmellose Sodium 18.0 18.0 18.0 18.0 18.0 Talc 32.0 32.0 32.0 32.0 32.0 Magnesium Stearate 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 Part III Colloidal SiO₂ (Aerosil 200 ®) 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 Croscarmellose Sodium 28.0 28.0 28.0 28.0 28.0 Talc 13.6 13.6 13.6 13.6 13.6 Magnesium Stearate 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 Coating Opadry ® 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 Theoretical End Weight 824.0 824.0 824.0 824.0 824.0 *525.3 mg of Azithromycin solvate is equivalent to 500 mg Azithromycin (based on the specific APl potency of the particular lot used) Formulation 5 [K-28201] 1. Part I materials were blended in a polyethylene bag and passed through an oscillating granulator (Frewitt®) equipped with a 1 mm aperture screen and loaded into a twin shelled Y-cone dry blender. 2. Part II materials were added to the Y-cone blender and mixed. 3. The mix was passed through a roller compactor. 4. The compact was twice passed through the oscillating granulator. In the first pass, the granulator was equipped with a 2 mm aperture screen. In the second pass, the granulator was equipped with a 1 mm aperture screen. The milled granulate was loaded into a Y-cone blender. 5. The Part III materials were added to the Y-cone blender and mixed. 6. Oval tablets 9×17 mm were pressed from the mixture on a Kilian RLS rotary tablet press. 7. A portion of the compressed tablets were coated with Opadry® II White. This formulation did not contain stabilizers. Formulation 6 [K-28202]

Formulation 6 was processed using the same inactive ingredients and processing as per Formulation 5 except that 0.8 mg/tablet BHT and 0.8 mg/tablet PG were added in Step 1 and the amount of dibasic calcium phosphate used was reduced to give a tablet of identical theoretical end weight. Formulation 6 contained 0.1 wt. % BHT and 0.1 wt. % Propyl Gallate.

Formulation 7 [K-28483]

1. Part I materials were blended in a Diosna® P-10 high shear mixer.

2. Part II materials were added to the mixer and mixed.

3. The mix was passed through a roller compactor.

4. The compact was twice passed through a Frewitt. In the first pass, the Frewitt was equipped with a 2 mm aperture screen. In the second pass, the Frewitt was equipped with a 1 mm aperture screen. The milled granulate was loaded into a Y-cone blender.

5. The Part III materials were added to the Y-cone blender and mixed.

6. Oval tablets 9.times.17 mm were pressed from the mixture on a Kilian RLS rotary tablet press.

7. A portion of the compressed tablets were coated with Opadry® II White. The formulation contained 0.2 wt. % of Sodium Ascorbate.

Formulation 8 [K-28484]

Formulation 8 was processed using the same inactive ingredients and processing as per Formulation 7 except that 0.4 mg/tablet BHT was added to the Part I materials in lieu of 1.6 mg/tablet sodium ascorbate and the amount of dibasic calcium phosphate was adjusted to yield a tablet of identical weight. Formulation 8 contained 0.05 wt. % of BHT.

Formulation 9 [K-28485]

Formulation 9 was processed using the same inactive ingredients and processing as per Formulation 8 except that 0.8 mg/tablet BHT was added in Step I and the amount of dibasic calcium phosphate was reduced by 0.4 mg/tablet. Formulation 9 contained 0.1 wt. % of BHT.

Methodology

Tablets were stressed under a variety of storage conditions: in blister packs, in high density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles, and in aluminum laminated bags. The containers were filled and then sealed under ordinary atmosphere. The tablets were stored for five or seven days at 55° C.

Results

The results of the accelerated stability study on tablets prepared by dry granulation with pre-compression by roller compaction are reported in Table 6. TABLE 6 Stability of Dry-Granulated 500 mg Azithromycin Tablets Pre-Compressed by Roller Compaction to Storage at 55° C. in Conventional Pharmaceutical Packaging and with or Without Different Food Grade Antioxidants Formulated in the Tablets Total Impurities By HPLC (% Area) Storage Stabilizer Exposure Time Before After Formulation Conditions (Wt. % of Tablet) (Days) Exposure Exposure Change 5(coated) Blister Pack — 5 0.7 1.3 0.6 5(coated) HDPE Bottle — 5 0.7 1.9 1.2 6(coated) Blister Pack BHT (0.1) & PG (0.1) 5 0.4 0.6 0.2 6(coated) HDPE Bottle BHT (0.1) & PG (0.1) 5 0.4 0.6 0.2 7 (coated) Aluminum Laminate Bag SA (0.2) 7 0.3 0.8 0.5 7 (uncoated) Aluminum Laminate Bag SA (0.2) 7 0.6 0.9 0.3 8 (coated) Aluminum Laminate Bag BHT (0.05) 7 0.2 0.6 0.4 8 (uncoated) Aluminum Laminate Bag BHT (0.05) 7 0.4 0.7 0.3 9 (coated) Aluminum Laminate Bag BHT (0.1) 7 0.2 0.5 0.3 9 (uncoated) Aluminum Laminate Bag BHT (0.1) 7 0.3 0.5 0.2

A significant reduction in the degradation rate of tablets stored in blister packs and HDPE bottles was observed when 0.2 wt. percent antioxidant was included in the formulation (compare the results for Formulations 5 and 6). BHT (alone) and mixtures of BHT and PG were more effective at inhibiting degradation than SA, but all three antioxidants provide an inhibiting effect relative to untreated azithromycin.

Example 12

Azithromycin Tablet Prepared by Dry Granulation—Slugging

The stability of dry granulated tablet formulations of azithromycin that were pre-compressed by slugging was also assessed with and without adding a food grade antioxidant to the formulation.

Formulations

Formulation 10 [T 582-08]

Formulation 10 was prepared using the same inactive ingredients as Formulation 5.

1. Part I materials were blended in a polyethylene bag and passed through an oscillating granulator (Frewitt®) equipped with a 1 mm aperture screen into a twin shelled Y-cone dry blender.

2. Part II materials were added to the Y-cone blender and mixed.

3. The mix was slugged into slugs using a Manesty B3B tablet press.

4. The slugs were milled in the granulator, which was equipped with a #16 mesh screen and passed into the Y-cone blender.

5. The Part III materials were added to the Y-cone blender and mixed.

6. Oval tablets 9.times.19 mm were pressed from the mixture on a Manesty B3B rotary tablet press.

7. A portion of the compressed tablets were coated with Opadry® II White. Coating was performed by top spraying a suspension of Opadry II® White in a Fluidized Bed (Uniglatt®). The inlet temperature was 60° C.; the outlet temperature was 40° C. Formulation 10 did not contain an antioxidant.

Formulation 11 [T 582-09]

Formulation 11 used the same inactive ingredients as Formulation 6 and was processed as per Formulation 10. Formulation 11 contained 0.1 wt. % BHT and 0.1 wt. % Propyl Gallate.

Methodology

Stabilized and unstabilized azithromycin tablets prepared by dry granulation with slugging were stored at 60° C. in sealed amber glass bottles for 114 h. Another bottle of stabilized azithromycin tablets was stored “open cap” under identical conditions. Stabilized azithromycin tablets were also studied at 55° C. in polypropylene (PP) and amber glass bottles.

Results

The results of the accelerated stability study on tablets formulated by dry granulation with pre-compression by slugging are recorded in Table 7. TABLE 7 Comparison of Degradation of Dry-Granulated Azithromycin Tablets with And Without 0.1 Wt. % BHT and 0.1 Wt. % PG at Elevated Temperatures Storage Condition Total Impurities Detected by HPLC (% Area) Formulation Storage Container Temp. (° C.) Time (h) Before Exposure After Exposure Change 10 Amber glass bottle 60 114 0.66 3.86 3.20 (unstabilized) (closed cap) 11 Amber glass bottle (open cap) 60 114 0.48 1.85 1.37 11 Amber glass bottle (closed cap) 60 114 0.48 1.44 0.96 11 PP bottle 55 5 0.42 0.55 0.13 (closed cap with small headspace)¹ 11 PP bottle 55 5 0.42 1.16 0.74 (closed cap with large headspace)² 11 amber glass bottle 55 5 0.42 0.49 0.07 (closed cap with small headspace)¹ ¹The bottle was filled with tablets. ²Two Tablets were added per bottle.

The results recorded in Table 7 show that including 0.1 wt. % BHT and 0.1 wt. % PG in the formulation was effective at inhibiting degradation of azithromycin tablets prepared by dry granulation with slugging. The stabilized tablets showed a three fold reduction in degradation compared to unstabilized tablets at 60° C. under identical closed capped conditions. Even under open cap conditions, the stabilized tablets underwent less than half the degradation than unstabilized tablets stored in a sealed bottled.

Example 13

Powder Suitable for Preparing a Liquid Suspension Dosage Form

The stability of powder formulations suitable for making liquid dosage forms like suspensions, syrups and elixirs also was assessed with and without adding a food grade antioxidant to the formulation.

Formulations

Azithromycin was formulated into a powder that can be constituted as a liquid oral dosage form following the stepwise procedure below using the excipients in Table 8. TABLE 8 Formulation 12 Formulation 13 Stage Ingredients (mg per dose) (mg per dose) Part I Azithromycin 210.12* 210.12* Aerosil 200 20.00 20.00 BHT — 0.40 Part II Xanthan Gum 6.50 6.50 Klucel LF 5.00 5.00 Sodium Phosphate Tribasic 20.00 20.00 Part III Sucrose 3850.00 3850.00 Theoretical End Weight 4111.60 4112.00 *210.12 mg Azithromycin is equivalent to 200 mg Azithromycin base, based on the specific API batch potency. Formulation 12 [K-28527] 1. Part I materials were passed through an 18 mesh screen and blended in a Y cone blender. 2. Part II materials were added to the Y-cone blender and mixed. 3. Sucrose (milled 0.8 mm screen) was added to the Y-cone blender and mixed. 4. The blend was passed through Frewitt 0.8 mm screen and blended for 5 minutes. Formulation 12 did not contain an antioxidant. Formulation 13 [K-28528]

Formulation 13 was prepared using the same inactive ingredients and processing as Formulation 12, except that 0.01 wt. % BHT was added in Step 1.

Methodology

The stability of the powder blend was studied by placing the powder in open capped amber bottles and storing them in a vented over for seven days. The powder also was constituted at 40 mg/ml in water in amber bottles. The bottles were capped and stored at room temperature for seven days.

Results.

The results of the accelerated stability study on the dry powder and the (unaccelerated) stability study on the solution are recorded in Table 9. TABLE 9 Comparison of Degradation of Azithromycin Powder Formulation for Preparing Liquid Dosage Forms with And Without 0.01 Wt. % BHT RRT RRT RRT RRT Total Antioxidants Time T 0.28 0.36 0.38 0.83 Impurity Formulation (Wt. %) (days) (° C.) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) 12 — 0 — 0.15 0.24 0.11 <0.1 0.50 12 (dry powder) — 7 55 0.42 0.65 0.28 0.31 1.66 % Change 0.27 0.41 0.17 0.31 1.16 12 (Constituted) — 7 RT 0.10 0.19 <0.1 <0.1 0.50 % Change^(a) ˜0^(a)  ˜0^(a)  ˜0^(a)  ˜0^(a)  ˜0^(a)  13 — 0 — 0.10 0.19 <0.1 <0.1 0.29 13 (dry powder) BHT (0.01) 7 55 0.34 0.55 0.23 0.33 1.45 % Change 0.24 0.36 0.23 0.33 1.16 13 (Constituted) BHT (0.01) 7 RT 0.12 0.20 <0.1 <0.1 0.3 % Change 0.02 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.03 ^(a)The impurity (identified by RRT in the above table) percentage values at 0 days and after 7 days (reconstituted) were of negligible difference, indicating that essentially no degradation occurred during storage of the reconstituted formulation for 7 days.

The data shows that the addition of 0.01 wt. % BHT to the powder formulation for making liquid dosage forms did not improve the stability of azithromycin in the powder when held at 55° C. for seven days. The results of Formulations 12 and 13 show that, in general, no additional stability is achieved when the antioxidant is combined with the azithromycin by simple powder mixing of the two, in contrast to forming an intimate admixture of the azithromycin and antioxidant by, e.g., co-precipitation or co-milling as described hereinabove. 

1. A container for packaging azithromycin made of gas impermeable material wherein after storage azithromycin degradation products do not exceed 5% by weight of the azithromycin.
 2. The container according to claim 1, wherein after storage azithromycin degradation products do not exceed 3% by weight of azithromycin.
 3. The container according to claim 1, wherein the gas impermeable material is laminated aluminum.
 4. The container according to claim 1, wherein the container comprises at least two layers of gas impermeable material, wherein at least one of those layers is aluminum.
 5. The container according to claim 1, wherein the azithromycin is azithromycin solvate.
 6. The container according to claim 5, wherein the azithromycin is selected from the group consisting of ethanol solvate, propanol solvate, and a hydrate.
 7. The container according to claim 6, wherein the azithromycin is monohydrate azithromycin.
 8. A container for packaging azithromycin monohydrate made of gas impermeable material wherein after storage less than about 5% of azithromycin monohydrate is transformed to azithromycin dihydrate upon storage of one year.
 9. The container according to claim 8, wherein the gas impermeable material is laminated aluminum.
 10. The container according to claim 1, wherein the container is in the form of a bag or pouch.
 11. The container according to claim 1, wherein the gas impermeable material is impermeable to oxygen.
 12. The container according claim 1, wherein the gas impermeable is on the interior of the container.
 13. The container according to claim 1, wherein the azithromycin is stored at a temperature of about 25° C. to about 55° C.
 14. The container according to claim 1, wherein the azithromycin is stored at 60% relative humidity.
 15. The container according to claim 1, wherein the azithromycin is stored for at least one month.
 16. The container according to claim 1, wherein the degradation products are identified by HPLC relative to retention times of about 0.26, 0.34, 0.37, or 0.80 as compared to azithromycin.
 17. A method for storing azithromycin comprising packaging azithromycin in a container comprising a gas impermeable material wherein after storage azithromycin degradation products do not exceed 5% by weight of the azithromycin.
 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the gas impermeable material is laminated aluminum.
 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the container comprises at least two layers of gas impermeable material, wherein at least one of those layers is laminated aluminum.
 20. A dry blend, used for forming azithromycin tablets by direct compression, comprising: (a) azithromycin obtained from the packaging of claim 1; and (b) at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, wherein said azithromycin is not azithromycin dihydrate. 21-102. (canceled) 